Dietitian (Clinical)

Veterans Health Administration • Grand Island, NE

21d • Onsite

About The Position

This position serves as a Clinical Dietitian within the Clinical Section of Nutrition and Food Services (NFS). The dietitian works autonomously, applying evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines to patients, including those with complex medical and nutritional needs. The role coordinates Veterans’ nutritional care with other health care providers, Veterans, caregivers, and community members.

The dietitian conducts comprehensive nutrition assessments using the Nutrition Care Process (NCP), develops and implements Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), monitors outcomes, and adjusts interventions as needed. The position also supports interdisciplinary care, patient education, virtual care, quality improvement, and collaboration with Food Operations to improve Veterans’ dining experience and patient satisfaction.

The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telework is ad hoc; this is not a virtual position. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized. The full performance level is GS-11, with selection at GS-7 through GS-11. The role is subject to a one- or two-year trial period.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified U.S. citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Registration as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD) with the Commission on Dietetic Registration, except for eligible GS-7 and GS-9 temporary appointees who meet the stated non-credentialed dietitian requirements.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• For non-credentialed GS-7 or GS-9 temporary appointment eligibility: a bachelor's or higher degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university or foreign equivalent, and completion of an ACEND-accredited experiential or supervised practice program with verification of eligibility to take the CDR registration examination.
• For GS-7: no experience or education beyond the basic requirements.
• For GS-9: at least one year of experience equivalent to GS-7, or a master's degree from a regionally accredited university or college.
• For GS-9: knowledge of accrediting and regulatory requirements and virtual technology for nutrition care; ability to deliver care using the Nutrition Care Process, apply evidence-based nutrition practices, develop patient-centered goals, collect data for performance-improvement studies, and collaborate with stakeholders.
• For GS-11: at least one year of experience as an RDN equivalent to GS-9.
• For GS-11: skill in delivering care using the Nutrition Care Process, interpreting research and applying evidence-based nutrition practices, developing patient-centered goals, analyzing data for performance-improvement studies, and collaborating with stakeholders; ability to comply with accrediting, regulatory, and agency authorities.
• Meet applicable security and onboarding requirements, including a background/security investigation and required identification documentation.
• Register for Selective Service if a male born after December 31, 1959.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel requirement.
• Complete a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the hiring process.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to the conditions described in the announcement.
• For foreign education used to qualify, provide the required foreign education evaluation or Certificate of Foreign Equivalency as applicable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments using the Nutrition Care Process, including nutrition-focused physical examinations, to establish nutrition diagnoses and assess risk or degree of malnutrition.
• Develop and implement Medical Nutrition Therapy to address nutrition diagnoses; evaluate and monitor effectiveness and outcomes; and modify plans as needed.
• Calculate nutrient requirements and diet restrictions, account for food and drug interactions, and tailor diet prescriptions to individual patients.
• Document Medical Nutrition Therapy in the medical record using the Assessment, Diagnosis, Intervention, Monitoring, Evaluation (ADIME) format.
• Maintain accurate and independent clinical record keeping, including daily activity records and patient encounters in approved systems.
• Identify patients who need nutritional support, recommend appropriate support modalities, and communicate recommendations to the health care team.
• Participate in formal and informal interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Assess educational needs and provide individualized and group nutrition education and counseling tailored to Veterans.
• Use virtual care technology to improve access to care.
• Maintain productivity standards.
• Promote continuous improvement in the safety and quality of Veterans’ care.
• Lead implementation of new initiatives; use data to develop measures, evaluate performance, and initiate corrective actions.
• Comply with The Joint Commission requirements and other accrediting agency standards for safe, quality patient care.
• Collaborate with Food Operations and department leadership to improve Veterans’ dining experience and patient satisfaction, and serve as a liaison between clinical units and Food Operations.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits eligibility depends on the position and employment status.
• Eligible selected applicants may request credit for prior work or military service toward annual leave accrual, subject to approval and not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level